About the Washington D.C. Interview Tour 2010

Every two years, juniors and seniors from Mount Madonna School travel to Washington, D.C. to meet with both political and NGO leaders. This is the blog for the 2010 journey.

The goals of the “Values in World Thought” program are to develop our capacities of self-awareness and to support an ongoing inquiry into the values that inform our actions and our life purpose. We do this in order strengthen our ability to engage in positive and mutually beneficial relationships with each other and with our communities. It is our intention to support the development of the citizens the world most needs now; those who can respond with creativity and care in these changing and challenging times, and those who can balance their own needs in relationship to the needs of others in the communities of which they are part.

Interview with Admiral Stephen RochonDirector of the Executive ResidenceNoah LimbachAdmiral Rochon
Today we had an interview with Admiral Stephen Rochon, a retired Coast Guard admiral who now holds the position of Executive Director of the White House Residence. After 36 years in the Coast Guard, Admiral Rochon was hired to be the Executive Director of the White House Residence by President George W. Bush. He is one of five people in Coast Guard history who began as an enlisted man and achieved the rank of Admiral. As Director of the Executive Residence, it is his job to keep the White House running smoothly as a home for the President and a historic shrine for the American public. His duties include everything from managing the staff who oversee upkeep, repairs and the grounds to choosing a swing set for the Obamas. He greets the President most every morning and walks with him to the Oval Office. He has met such important guests as the Pope, Queen Elizabeth II and even Stevie Wonder. Admiral Rochon is responsible for the coordination of 95 people, including housekeepers, painters, carpenters, cooks, plumbers and gardeners. Watching him interact with the White House staff today was a learning experience. He had a friendly word for everyone we met.
We conducted our interview in the White House movie theater. Admiral Rochon’s story was amazing. He is one of the most deeply committed people I have ever met, both in serving his country and serving the First Family. He said his biggest priority was to make sure “that there was always a smile on the First Lady’s face,” because that means the staff is doing its job well and the White House is running smoothly. After our interview, we took a tour of the White House. We saw several rooms and learned about things that are not usually on the main tour. Along the way we met Bo, the Obama family dog who was very friendly and not bothered by being greeted by 31 eager students.-Noah Limbach

Cliff RandolphIn front of South lawn
Today everyone was excited to go to the White House. We waited by the entry gate for a bit before Admiral Rochon came to meet our group. When he arrived he went down the line shaking everyone’s hand as we introduced ourselves. He was easygoing and seemed genuinely glad to see us. He took us through security and into the White House.

He had so much wisdom to share with us. One of the things he seemed especially adamant about was the concept of showing gratitude. He told us that it is always important to let people know that what they do is appreciated, even if that person does not think their job is important in the grand scheme of things. Many of his values were “people centered.” When he was asked about the similarities between the two different presidents that he had served, he focused on how they were both very family oriented, and truly loved their wives and kids. We also asked him about the comparative intensity involved in his earlier in the Coast Guard, and as his current job as Executive Director. He told us that however intense a job is, it is important to always leave that intensity at work, so as to be able to really spend quality time with your family. Another piece of wisdom he shared with us is that we should remember that there are people out there who will always be willing to help us and that we can’t do everything on our own.-Cliff Randolph

Jack Massion
Admiral Rochon truly embodied hospitality. Being responsible for running the White House is a major job, but somehow Admiral Rochon still found the time to sit with us and give us a great interview. The message I heard from Admiral Rochon that was the most significant to me, was that it is important to be optimistic and seize the opportunities that come your way. While talking to us about future plans for his own life he said, “There is still something more out there for me.” Just afterwards he commented, “I always think that a challenge is an opportunity waiting around the corner”. For me, both of these quotes showed his optimism. I feel the first quote symbolizes his attitude toward life during times of change in the sense that he knows he has a purpose. The second is his overall take on life and explains why he has had so many amazing achievements. When you believe that challenges in your life are an opportunity waiting to happen, you set yourself up to try hard.

I think Admiral Rochon’s advice “to be optimistic” is very relevant to this trip. If we take Admiral Rochon’s advice and approach every challenge as another opportunity waiting to happen, we can really get the most out of this experience. A good example of this advice is that earlier in the week, when we were offered a last minute opportunity to converse with Ambassador Elizabeth Bagley we took it. Because we were open and willing to meet the challenge, we got the chance to talk to a very intelligent and engaging woman. I realize we don’t have to wait to follow his wisdom.-Jack Massion

Your reports are vividly bringing the trip back to us at MMS. I am very appreciative of your insights and your expression of the emotional and intellectual impact of your experiences. This is a truly important time in your lives and I’m thrilled to be a witness. Keep on keepin’ on!

Bob

Sara Lyon

Great to have you back on the blog! We missed you over the weekend. Everyone here is reading and following your progress and is impressed with all the great experiences you are having. I love reading how three people at the same interview all had a different “take-home message”. Sounds like you are meeting some exceptional and inspirational people. Enjoy your last few days!
Sara